Sleep problems among Dutch higher educational students, working towards solutions

Abstract

Abstract Background Lately, attention for the role of sleep in health and wellbeing has increased. Short sleep duration and poor quality of sleep are associated with a higher chance at several (mental) health issues, including a higher mortality risk. Furthermore it is associated with attention problems and lower academic achievement. Poor sleep has a high prevalence, especially among students. We aim to provide (policy) recommendations from studying the associated factors on an individual and social level with poor sleep and its consequences. Methods In a cross-sectional survey design (N = 493), the extent of sleep problems and its associated factors was studied amongst a group of Dutch students. The Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used. Linear regression analysis was performed. Participants were recruited through social media and e-mail (Male 43%; Female 57%; mean age, 22 years). Additionally, experts were questioned in a small survey to come up with solutions (N = 24). Results 59% of higher educational students suffer from poor sleep quality. Factors that were significantly associated with worse sleep quality were: sleep need, behavior and psychology (effects stress overload), having a paid job in the evening/night, loneliness, having the Chinese and other ethnicity and having a sleep-related disorder. Sleep was significantly associated with worse mental health, vitality and drug use. Additionally, sleep was a significant predictor for attention problems and worse academic performance in the current academic year. Conclusions Nearly 2 out of 3 students suffered from poor sleep quality, reconfirming the high prevalence amongst higher educational students in other studies. Universities can contribute to better sleep quality of their students by educating their students more about sleep hygiene (including effects of drugs and how to deal with high work pressures), and make them more aware of the availability of student psychologists and student general practitioners. Key messages Students in higher education are a population at high risk for poor sleep quality. More attention for the importance of sleep for health, wellbeing and academic achievements should be implemented in the university institutional context.